Six IHLs Launch Singapore’s First Joint Hospitality and Tourism Student Chapter

SINGAPORE, 23 OCTOBER 2026 – The Singapore Hospitality and Tourism Conference (SHTC) returns for its second edition on 23 October 2026, bringing together approximately 480 students, educators and industry partners to strengthen connections between education and industry and inspire the next generation of talent to build their careers in Singapore’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Organised by seven Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) – the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Temasek Polytechnic (TP) – and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), this year’s conference will provide students with opportunities to engage directly with the industry, gain exposure to evolving career pathways, and build connections that extend beyond the classroom.

A key highlight of SHTC 2026 is the inauguration of the first joint ITE and Polytechnic Hospitality and Tourism Student Chapter, bringing together students from ITE, NYP, NP, RP, SP and TP to strengthen collaboration across institutions and build a community of aspiring hospitality and tourism professionals.

The launch was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the six participating IHLs and industry partners, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) and Singapore Hotel Association (SHA).  The Student Chapter is an initiative of the Tourism, Hotel Operations & Management Sector Coordination Team (THOM SCT)^[1], through which students will have opportunities to build connections with industry partners, gain hands-on experience, and develop their professional networks before graduation.

SHTC 2026 includes a conference programme of keynote addresses and panel discussions, and a Career Fair featuring more than 20 employers across Attractions, Hotels, Integrated Resorts, Lifestyle, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and Travel Agents. The Career Fair, being a key component of SHTC, offers students a wide range of opportunities including internships and job placements. New exhibitors include Banyan Tree, Museum of Ice Cream Singapore, and The Lo & Behold Group.

As technology continues to reshape the tourism sector, SHTC 2026 also places a spotlight on how artificial intelligence (AI) can better support tourism professionals in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. Rather than replacing the human touch, AI has the potential to free hospitality professionals from routine tasks, enabling them to focus on creating meaningful, personalised experiences for guests. A student panel session on AI and Human Touch gave conference attendees a first-hand perspective on how the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals views the role of AI in enabling a more human-centric approach to hospitality.

Complementing this, Marina Bay Sands is sponsoring a Student Hackathon bringing together 40 students to explore how artificial intelligence and human touch can come together to elevate guest experiences. The hackathon represents a practical opportunity for students to apply their skills to real-world industry challenges, reflecting the broader commitment by STB, the IHLs and industry partners to develop future-ready tourism talent.

Quote Sheet

Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "People are at the heart of Singapore's tourism sector and will remain critical to our continued growth and competitiveness. Working closely with our IHLs and industry partners, we are committed to building a strong and sustainable pipeline of tourism talent for Singapore. The tourism sector today offers a variety of careers across different domains, with opportunities for growth and upskilling. Through platforms like SHTC and the new Student Chapter, we aim to show the next generation that tourism is a sector where they can build meaningful, future-ready careers."

Fu Chuan Chong, Director, School of Hospitality, Republic Polytechnic, and Co-Chair, Tourism, Hotel Operations & Management Sector Coordination Team said: “The cross-IHL Student Chapter will provide a platform for students from ITEs, polytechnics and universities to collaborate, learn and innovate across institutions. It will also foster closer partnerships between IHLs and industry to nurture future-ready leaders and create lasting value for the tourism and hospitality sector. In turn, industry partners will benefit from fresh perspectives and a stronger pipeline of future talent.”

Jasmine Ho, Vice President, Community, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) said: "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to cultivating a next-generation talent pipeline for Singapore's MICE, events, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Through stronger industry-academia collaboration and the active involvement of SACEOS and the SACEOS Alumni Community, we aim to inspire, mentor, and empower emerging talent through meaningful industry exposure, helping to bridge the gap between learning and practice."

Chris Teo, Singapore Hotel Association Board Member & Co-Chair, Hotel Human Capital Advisory Committee said: “Talent attraction and development is a key focus area for the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) under its Hotel Human Capital Advisory Committee. In this regard, SHA is pleased to be part of this purposeful collaboration between industry and IHLs to enhance learning through real-world experiences. SHA looks forward to facilitating connections that enable our extensive network of hotel members to engage with and nurture aspiring talent, encouraging them to pursue careers in the hospitality industry.”

Yu Hong Le Kenji, member of the founding EXCO team, Inter-IHL Hospitality and Tourism Student Chapter from Temasek Polytechnic said: “Being part of this journey has opened doors I never expected, from networking with industry professionals to experiences I would not have had otherwise. The Student Chapter is exactly the kind of platform that pushes you to step out of your comfort zone, connect with peers across institutions and seize opportunities that come your way.

^[1] The Sector Coordination Team (SCT) initiative was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to strengthen partnerships and coordinate engagements between industry, polytechnics and ITE. Temasek Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic were appointed as co-chairs to lead the Tourism, Hotel Operations & Management (THOM) cluster.

-End-

About Singapore Hospitality and Tourism Conference (SHTC)

The Singapore Hospitality and Tourism Conference (SHTC), now in its second edition, is an annual platform supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and participating Institutes of Higher Learning, designed to strengthen connections between the education sector and the hospitality and tourism industry. SHTC provides students with direct access to industry leaders, career opportunities and experiential learning, as part of broader efforts to build a sustainable talent pipeline for Singapore's tourism sector.

About the Student Chapter

The ITE & Polytechnic Hospitality and Tourism Student Chapter is a student-led initiative co-driven by STB and participating IHLs. It brings together student leaders from ITE and the Polytechnics under a shared purpose of building access, opportunity and community for students passionate about hospitality and tourism.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.